I guess I should introduce myself. I am, as you can see, from Norway. I have read some of the introductions here and it seems that many members of this forum has had to face their families and friends with their beliefs. I guess I’m lucky because I never have had to defend myself for my beliefs and thoughts in the way many here has had to. It’s probably because over here religion isn’t a big part of everyday life, at least not in my family and social circles. Of course, I know people of many different religions and “cults” (if I can use that word), but I guess it isn’t so important for the average man (or woman) here.

That said, this looks like an interesting forum and I look forward to participating here.

Welcome, Haarod. You are right that religion plays a major role in much of the U. S. However, it is strongest in the center and south of the country. We along the coasts have far less problem with it. For example, I was born in Massachusetts (north-east coast) and brought up in Southern California (west coast). Religion was absent from my family and from most of my friends, and even if some were theists they never discussed it.